Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs, sometimes called Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs) are something you should know about if you have been sexually assaulted. If you think you might have contracted an STI, you should know the facts and you should take action to protect your health.

A sexually transmitted disease is any disease that can be transmitted by sexual contact (including vaginal and anal intercourse and oral-genital contact) with an infected person who may or may not have symptoms. Union College Health Services is available to provide counseling, patient education, and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients. They do not do HIV testing.

In addition to Health Services, and for HIV testing, the following local sites are available

NY State Anonymous Rapid HIV test - 1-800-962-5065. (Calls must be made from a 518 area code telephone)

Emergency Contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called "morning-after" contraception, emergency birth control, or backup birth control. EC must be started up to 120 hours (five days ) after unprotected intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy. The sooner it is started, the more effective it is. EC reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when started within 72 hours. It does not protect against HIV or STIs.